Qantas to Introduce Carbon Offset Program for Passengers

Strategic Insights -

Qantas is designing a program that will enable passengers to offset the carbon emissions from their flights, joining a growing trend in the airline industry. This move is motivated by the increasing importance of environmental programs due to climate change. Qantas' code-share partner, British Airways, has already implemented a carbon-emissions program that allows passengers to pay a fee to cover the cost of emissions created by their journey. Passengers can choose to pay the fee via a link on BA's website.

Key Takeaways:

  • Qantas is developing a carbon offset program to allow passengers to offset emissions from their flights.
  • British Airways has a carbon-emissions program in place, allowing passengers to pay a fee to cover emissions created by their journey.
  • Passengers can choose to pay the fee via a link on BA's website, with fees ranging from £5 ($12.30) for a return flight to Madrid to £13.30 for a return flight to Johannesburg.
  • Climate Care, the partner of British Airways, channels the money raised from carbon offset fees into sustainable energy projects, including energy-efficient lamp distribution in South Africa and biomass fuel projects in India.
  • Qantas plans to introduce the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787, which are expected to reduce emissions per passenger by up to 20%.
  • British Airways has pledged to cut 30% from its emissions levels between 1990 and 2010.
  • The airline industry is aiming to cut its emissions by 10% by 2010, which would reduce global carbon dioxide pollution by 350 million tonnes.
  • A return flight from Melbourne to Singapore on a 747 produces approximately 1.36 tonnes of carbon dioxide, and BA's charge to offset this amount is £10.23.

Statistics:

  • The airline industry accounts for 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions and 13% of transport emissions.(1)
  • Road vehicles account for 75% of transport emissions. (1)
  • The airline industry aims to cut its emissions by 10% by 2010. (1)
  • This reduction is expected to shave 350 million tonnes from global carbon dioxide pollution. (1)
  • A return flight from Melbourne to Singapore on a 747 produces approximately 1.36 tonnes of carbon dioxide. (1)
  • BA's charge to offset this amount is £10.23. (1)

Sources:

  • (1) International Air Transport Association